Chickpea Meatballs Salad: A Unique and Flavorful One-Dish Delight
This Chickpea Meatballs Salad is the perfect one-dish meal, bringing together the hearty, earthy flavors of chickpeas and the freshness of a vibrant salad. The delicate crunch of toasted almonds, juicy mango, and the subtle creaminess of provola cheese are all brought together with a zesty mustard dressing. These delicious homemade chickpea meatballs are fried to golden perfection and nestled in a bed of fresh greens, making this dish a complete, satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a dish that will leave everyone craving more!
Servings: 4
Category: Main Dishes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried Chickpeas | 150g |
| Eggs | 35g |
| Fresh Spring Onion | 80g |
| Grana Padano Cheese (DOP) | 50g |
| Bread Crumbs | 25g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Vegetable Oil (for frying) | 1L |
| Lollo Lettuce | 180g |
| Lamb’s Lettuce (Songino) | 65g |
| Beefsteak Tomatoes | 370g |
| Provola Cheese | 180g |
| Mango | 350g |
| Sliced Almonds | 30g |
| Mustard | 50g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Lemon Juice | 30g |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Start by soaking the dried chickpeas in water for at least 12 hours. Once the chickpeas have soaked, drain them and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
Step 2: Prepare the Spring Onion
Trim the ends of the spring onion and slice it into large pieces. Add the soaked chickpeas and chopped spring onion to a food processor. Pulse until the chickpeas are finely chopped, but not pureed.
Step 3: Make the Meatball Mixture
Transfer the chickpea mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the egg and Grana Padano cheese to the bowl, followed by the breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, take small portions of the chickpea mixture (about 15g each) and roll them into small balls. Place each meatball on a tray lined with parchment paper. With the quantities provided, you should get approximately 28 meatballs.
Step 5: Chill the Meatballs
Place the meatballs in the refrigerator to firm up for about 1 hour. This will help them hold their shape during frying.
Step 6: Prepare the Mustard Dressing
While the meatballs are chilling, prepare the dressing for the salad. In a small bowl, combine the mustard, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified. Set the dressing aside.
Step 7: Toast the Almonds
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Toast them for about 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 8: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Wash and dry the tomatoes, then cut them into small cubes. Dice the provola cheese into small pieces as well. Wash and dry the lettuce and songino (lamb’s lettuce), then cut the lettuce into thin strips.
Step 9: Fry the Chickpea Meatballs
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer. To ensure the oil reaches the right temperature (around 180Β°C or 350Β°F), use a food thermometer. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the meatballs into the oil in batches. Fry the meatballs for about 2 minutes or until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 10: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl or serving platter, layer the lettuce, songino, diced provola cheese, cubed tomatoes, and sliced mango. Add the toasted almonds for a nice crunch.
Step 11: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the mustard dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine everything.
Step 12: Add the Meatballs
Finally, arrange the fried chickpea meatballs on top of the salad, adding a finishing touch of freshness and crunch.
Step 13: Serve
Your Chickpea Meatballs Salad is now ready to serve! This vibrant, delicious dish is perfect as a light, fulfilling main course that combines the best of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. Enjoy your creation!
Tips and Variations:
- Make It Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg or a binding agent like chickpea flour mixed with water. You can also replace the Grana Padano cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or radishes for more variety in texture and flavor.
- Switch the Mango: If mango isn’t in season, you can substitute it with another seasonal fruit like apple or pear for a different sweet note.
- Healthy Fats: For an extra boost of healthy fats, try adding avocado slices to the salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 570 kcal |
| Protein | 17g |
| Carbohydrates | 70g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
This Chickpea Meatballs Salad brings together a satisfying combination of textures and flavors, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite. Whether enjoyed during a casual weeknight dinner or served at a gathering, itβs a recipe thatβs sure to impress!
